The superintendent says the yoga program is part of an effort to teach students the benefits of exercise and healthful eating. (San Diego Union-Tribune)

The legal battle to block the teaching of yoga in Encinitas public schools in northern San Diego County is finished, the lawyer who led the unsuccessful fight said Thursday.

Dean Broyles, attorney for the Escondido-based National Center for Law and Policy, said that while his clients do not plan to appeal, the effort to “educate parents” about the religious intent of yoga will continue.

“[We] fully expect to be engaged in future efforts to stop the deceptive religious indoctrination of our children by the state,” Broyles said.

In April, a three-judge panel of the 4th District Court of Appeal upheld a decision by the San Diego County Superior Court that the yoga program is “devoid of any religious, mystical or spiritual trappings.”

Tim Baird, superintendent of the K-6 district, says the program is part of an effort to teach students the benefits of exercise and healthful eating.

“We are not teaching religion, we are not instructing anyone in religious dogma,” Baird said. “Yoga is very mainstream.” Continue reading >>